Beginners, along with practitioners, are invited to participate in eight Tai Chi for Wellness classes offered by St. Joseph's Pastoral Care Department on Wednesdays beginning March 11, 2009. The classes featuring John Burger as instructor will be held from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. with the second class offered from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. at St. Peter and Paul's Center at 161 High Street, Elmira.

There is a fee of $6.00 per class or $48.00 to participate in all eight weeks. To register for either of the classes please call St. Joseph's Pastoral Care Department at 607-733-6541, ext. 425. Interested individuals can leave a message that should include their name, phone number and the class time they wish to attend.

Burger brings over 20 years of teaching Tai Chi to the classes. His practice includes training at the American Jiann Shyong Kung Fu Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts, under the guidance of Dr. Kay Chi Leung, studying Yang and Chen style Tai Chi. He has taught full time at a wide variety of locations in the Finger Lakes area, including colleges, community centers, adult education and senior centers.

Tai Chi is an exercise that brings intention, energy, motion and the heart together. The essentials of Tai Chi underlie all forms. The balance of body mind and heart with precision and gentleness are the essence of Tai Chi. Regular practice offers many potential benefits including improved balance, coordination, strength, concentration and relaxation. It does not require strenuous exertion. By learning and utilizing its gentle yet powerful principles one may cultivate a more relaxed and energetic quality of movement and effort.